Systems and Methods for Releasing Braids

ABSTRACT

Portable braid releasing devices and methods for the use thereof. The devices and methods disclosed herein may be suitable for releasing, loosening, or undoing hair braids worn on the head of a user. In some embodiments, said devices may include a narrow body disposed between two ends, and a recessed portion disposed on a length of the body, wherein the two ends include a first end opposite a second end, and wherein at least one of the two ends is tapered. Methods for using said devices may include inserting the first or second of a device into a braid of a wearer, gliding the device toward the end of the braid, and repeating this motion until the braid is loosened and/or undone to a desired level.

FIELD

This patent application generally relates to systems and methods forloosening or undoing braids, and more specifically to handheld deviceshaving a narrow body disposed between two tapered ends, each end beingsuitable for releasing—or unbraiding—braided hair.

BACKGROUND

For various reasons, it may be desirable to have a portable, handhelddevice for unbraiding hair. Conventional tools and methods forunbraiding or releasing braids have included using rat tooth combs,and/or using the fingers of a person to manually loosen or undo thebraids. However, such systems and methods are slow, ineffective, oftencause pain to the wearer of the braids, may result in damaged and/orbroken hair, and/or have not been designed with ergonomics or comfort ofa user in mind. Accordingly, there has developed a need for a system andmethod for loosening or undoing braids that are time-efficient andeffective, which reduce or eliminate the pain and discomforttraditionally associated with the loosening or undoing of hair braids.

SUMMARY

The present teachings disclose braid releasing devices and methods forthe use thereof. In some embodiments, a portable braid releasing devicemay include a narrow body disposed between two ends, and a recessedportion disposed on a length of the body, wherein the two ends include afirst end opposite a second end, wherein at least one of the two ends istapered. In some embodiments, the recessed portion may be configured toreceive a fingertip of the user. In some embodiments, the two ends maybe tapered and removably attached from the body of the device. In someembodiments, the two ends may be interchangeable with each other. Insome embodiments, the first end may have a first tip, and the second endmay have a second tip. In such embodiments, the first tip may benarrower than the second tip. In embodiments wherein at least one of thetwo ends is removable, the system may include at least one replacementend that may be interchangeable with the at least one removable end.

In some embodiments, an ergonomic braid releasing assembly may include along, narrow body that is securably and removably attachable to at leasttwo tapered ends, and a groove disposed on the narrow body and betweenthe at least two tapered ends, wherein the at least two tapered ends maybe insertable into and removable from a braid. In some embodiments, theat least two tapered ends may include a first end and a second end. Insome embodiments, the first end may diminish in thickness away from thenarrow body to a greater degree than the second end diminishes inthickness. In some but not all embodiments, the at least two taperedends may further include a third end that is configured to be securablyattached to the body. In such embodiments, the third end may beinterchangeable with the first end and/or the second end. In suchembodiments, the third end may differ in thickness from the first endand/or the second end.

In some embodiments, a braid releasing device may include an elongatedmember having at least two ends, including a first end and a second end,wherein the elongated member gradually diminishes in thickness towardthe at least two ends, and wherein the first end diminishes in thicknessto a greater degree than the second end diminishes in thickness. In someembodiments, the device may include an indentation on a length of theelongated member, wherein the indentation may be configured to receive afingertip of a user. In some embodiments, the at least two ends may beremovably and securably attached to the elongated member. In someembodiments, the at least two ends may further include a third end thatmay be interchangeable with the first and/or second end. In someembodiments, the thickness of the at least two ends may correlate with asize of a braid that the device is designed to loosen or undo. In suchembodiments, the first end may be configured to be removably insertedinto and suitable for loosening a small box braid, and the second endmay be configured to be removably inserted into and suitable forloosening a larger box braid.

Thus, various aspects of the present disclosure teach a novel approachto releasing braids, designed for time efficiency, keeping hair frombreaking, minimizing or eliminating pain when loosening or undoing thebraids of a wearer, and providing a comfortable and ergonomic experiencefor the user of the disclosed systems and methods. Features, functions,and advantages of the present disclosure may be achieved independentlyin various embodiments, or may be combined in yet other embodiments.Further details of the disclosure may be seen in reference to thefollowing Detailed Description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side plan view of a braid releasing device, according toaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the braid releasing device of FIG. 1,according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the braid releasing device of FIGS.1-2, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the braid releasing device of FIG. 3,including a removable end, according to aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of multiple removable ends,according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device of FIGS.1-2 being held by a user, according to aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device of FIGS.1-2 in relation to a braid of a wearer, according to aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective side view showing another embodiment of a braidreleasing device, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of a braidreleasing device, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device of FIG.8 being held by a user, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device of FIG.8 in relation to a braid of a wearer, according to aspects of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

The present disclosure contemplates portable braid releasing devices forenabling the loosening and/or undoing of various styles of hair braidsthat may be worn by wearer, which have been specifically designed toaddress the problem of conventional tools and methods being relativelytime-consuming, ineffective, painful for the wearer of the braids, oftenresulting in damaged and/or broken hair, and/or being uncomfortable touse. In fact, the conventional process of loosening or undoing braidsmay have generally been viewed as an unpleasant experience for both theperson wearing the braids and the person loosening or undoing thebraids. Depending on the style of braids being worn, the skill of theperson loosening or undoing the braids, and the patience of the personwearing the braids, it is not uncommon for the conventional process toentail hours of scalp discomfort for the wearer and/or hand strain forthe user of a conventional tool.

As disclosed herein, the novel braid releasing devices (and methods fortheir use) offer a time-efficient, effective, hair-safe, and ergonomicalternative to such conventional tools and methods, while providing boththe wearer of the braids and the user of the device with a pleasantexperience. In some embodiments, the disclosed braid releasing devicesmay be manufactured at relatively low costs, and require relatively lowlead times to produce. However, other embodiments may go the artisanalroute and include devices that are handcrafted and/or made fromluxurious materials. In either route, the devices may generally have aslim and portable design in order to be easily pocketable and carriedaround for use while on-the-go, stowed away in a purse, stocked at ahair salon or at home, and/or kept in a pen cup on a desk.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are described below andillustrated in the associated drawings, using certain embodiments andexamples intended to illustrate but not limit the disclosure.Additionally, certain aspects of the disclosure may be described as a“first”, a “second,” a “third,” and so forth. However, this numberingscheme is not intended to limit the disclosure to only the numbersdescribed herein, nor to imply that any particular sequence or number ofelements are necessary to the disclosure. The subject matter of thepresent invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimedrepresenting the scope of the invention in the concluding portion ofthis specification. However, both the organization and method ofoperation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, maybest be understood by reference to the following descriptions taken inconnection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference charactersrefer to like elements.

Examples, Components, and Alternatives

FIG. 1 shows a side plan view of an exemplary braid releasing device 10,according to aspects of the present disclosure. The device 10 may beadapted for enabling the releasing, loosening, or undoing of hair braidsthat may be worn on the head of a wearer. In some embodiments, thedevice 10 may include a narrow body 12 disposed between two ends 14 and16, and a recessed portion 18 disposed on a length 20 of the body 12.The two ends may more specifically include a first end 14 that isdisposed on the opposite of a second end 16 of the body 12 of the device10. Generally, the first end 14 and the second end 16 may both betapered away from a center of the elongated body 12.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the recessed portion 18 may bedisposed on the narrow body 12 and configured to receive a fingertip ofa person using the device 10. The recessed portion 18 may be a groove,depression, or any other suitable indentation on the length 20 of thebody 12. Because the process of loosening or undoing braids maygenerally be time-consuming, the recessed portion 18 is designed to beergonomic and thus reduce any hand and/or finger strain that may becaused by the potentially repetitive nature of loosening or undoingbraids. This feature may be particularly useful for arthritic users,hair stylists, and/or any other users of the device 10 who might spendhours repeating the same braid-loosening motions.

Although FIG. 1 shows only one recessed portion 18 on the length 20 ofthe body 12, other embodiments may be configured differently. Forexample, in some embodiments the body 10 may include a 360-degreeindentation where the recessed portion is shown in FIG. 1. And, althoughthe recessed portion 18 shown in FIG. 1, is disposed on the center ofthe body 12, recessed portions of other embodiments may be disposed atany suitable locations on the length 20 of the body 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first end 14 and the second end 16 may betapered away from the center of the body 12. Although the two ends 14and 16 are shown as substantially conical in shape, other embodimentsmay include ends having any suitable for aiding in the loosening orundoing of braids. However, conical ends may provide an added benefit ofbeing gentler on hair and thus minimizing hair-breakage when using thedevice 10. In preferred embodiments, the two ends 14 and 16 may betapered so that a narrowest point of each end 14 and 16 may easily glideinto a braid of a wearer and be pushed through the braid to therebyloosen said braid.

As also shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first end 14 may have afirst tip 22 and the second end 16 may have a second tip 24. In someembodiments, the first tip 22 may be narrower than the second tip 24.Generally, the size of the tip and/or degree of tapering of the end maycorrespond with the type and/or size of a braid that is to be loosened.For example, the narrower first tip 22 may be useful for undoing smalland/or tight braids, whereas the thicker second tip 24 may be useful forundoing large and/or looser braids. However, individual users may havedifferent preferences when using the device 10, and the correlationbetween tip size and braid size may vary.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the braid releasing device of FIG. 1,according to aspects of the present disclosure. In some but not allembodiments, at least one of the two ends may removably attached to thebody 12 of the device 10 and then be nondestructively detached from thebody 12, such that the ends may be interchangeable with each otherand/or one or more additional ends configured to be compatible with thedevice 10. In such embodiments, any suitable attachment mechanism may beused. Such attachment mechanisms may include, for example, fastenerssuch as wood screws, machine screws, threads, magnets, clips, etc. Forexample, a first attachment structure 26 of the body 12 may removablyattach to a corresponding structure of the end 14, and a secondattachment structure 28 of the body 12 may removable attached to acorresponding structure of the end 16. In some embodiments, the ends 14and/or 16 may be easily locked into place as to avoid said ends comingoff during use.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the braid releasing device of FIGS.1-2, according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3,although the body 12 of the device 10 may be substantially tubular inshape, the body 12 may be any shape suitable for loosening or undoingbraids. For example, the body 12 may be substantially rectangular,hexagonal, and so on. In fact, the hexagonal shape shown in FIG. 3 mayprovide better grip and texture, and perhaps be more ergonomic than apurely cylindrical body. For example, some embodiments may include anergonomic body 12 that is shaped like a rectangular prism, such thateach side of the prism corresponds to the areas of a user's fingers(such as the thumb, pointer finger, and middle finger) that are mostlikely to be in sustained contact with the device 10 while it is in use.Additionally, with ergonomics in mind, the body 12 of the device 10 maygenerally be smooth—i.e., free from perceptible projections or lumps—forease of use by the user of the device 10.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the braid releasing device of FIG. 3,including a removable end, according to aspects of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the interior of the end 14 may includethreads that correspond with attachment structure 26 of the body 12.However, as discussed in further detail above, any suitable attachmentmechanism may be used.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of multiple removable ends,according to aspects of the present disclosure. Some embodiments mayinclude a set 28 replacement ends 30, 32, 34, and 36 that may beinterchangeable with each other, as to provide a user with optionssuitable for a wide range of differently sized and styled braids. Infact, some braid releasing assemblies may include a plurality ofinterchangeable ends so that the overall package may be considered as a“one size fits all” solution to loosening or undoing various sizes andstyles of braids. For example, the replacement end 36 may be suitablefor loosening or undoing smaller and/or tighter braids, whereas thereplacement end 32 may be suitable for loosening and/or undoing largerand/or looser braids. Additionally, or alternatively to being used fordifferent sizes and/or styles of braids, the set 20 of replacement endsmay be useful if the original end 14 and/or 16 become worn out orotherwise need to be replaced.

Although the set 20 is shown with replacement ends having differentlengths and thicknesses, some embodiments may include a pack ofsimilarly or same sized replacement ends. For example, in a commercialor public setting where it is particularly important to avoid thetransfer of contaminants between braid wearers, embodiments having a set28 interchangeable ends may provide the added benefit of allowing theuser to dispose of used ends after seeing each client. The ability tointerchange the ends 14 and/or 16 of the device 10 with any of thereplacement ends in the set 20 may also prove cost-effective for hairstylists and like professionals because the body 12 of the device maynot need to be discarded after use on each client. Interchangeable endsmay also be especially useful when attempting to reduce waste, as onlythe ends would be “wasted” after each use.

Another example of usefulness of having a set 20 of interchangeable endsis where the body 12 of the device 10 is made from a higher-end materialor mixture of materials, such as, but not limited to: wood, glass,ceramic, stone, gemstone, metal, and so on. In such embodiments, itlikely would not be desirable to discard such relatively expensivematerials after each use. Thus, the ends 14 and/or 16 may be made from acheap, disposable material like plastic. In alternative embodiments,however, the body 12 of the device 10 may also be made from a cheapmaterial or mixture of materials, in which case it may be fine todispose of the entire device 10 between clients.

Generally, it may be desirable for the ends 14 and/or 16 to be composedof an at least semi-rigid and/or relatively low-friction material ormixture of materials to facilitate the smooth insertion and removal ofthe ends 14 and/or 16 from the braids of a wearer. However, it may beless important for the body 12 of the device 10 to have these qualities.In some but not all embodiments, the body 12 may be flexible orsemi-flexible. For example, the body 12 may be made of rubber or be atleast partially rubberized around the recessed portion 18 area as topromote the comfort of the user. Additionally, some embodiments may benon-porous, dishwasher-safe, and/or autoclavable to facilitate ease ofcleaning of the device 10 and the removal of any particulates orcontaminates that may accumulate thereon as a result of regular use.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device of FIGS.1-2 being held by a user, according to aspects of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the body 12 of the device 10 may berelatively long and narrow, as to be easily held in the hand 28 of auser. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device ofFIGS. 1-2 in relation to a braid 42 of a wearer, according to aspects ofthe present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the tip 22 of the device 10may be placed near the end 42 of the braid 40 and then gently slid intothe braid 40 via a “notch” 44 of the braid 40. Then, pushing the device10 further into the braid tip causes the end 14 to get wider as the tip14 slides further into the notch 42, thereby loosening the braid at andbelow the notch 42. The end 14 may then be slid out of the braid bymoving the device 10 downward toward the end 42 of the braid 40. Thisprocess may be repeated at each notch along the braid 40 away from theend 42 of the braid and toward the scalp of the wearer until the braid40 is loosened and/or undone to the desired level.

FIG. 8 is a perspective side view showing another embodiment of a braidreleasing device, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Forsimplicity, elements of FIGS. 8 (and 10-11) are shown with numbers thatcorrespond to similar elements in FIGS. 1-7, with a “1” added in frontof each number. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows an ergonomic braid releasingdevice 110 having a long, narrow body attached to at least two taperedends, i.e., a first end 114 and a second end 116, both tapered endsbeing configured to be insertable into and removable from a braid 140(see FIG. 11) of a wearer.

As shown in FIG. 8, the tapered ends 114 and 116 both diminish inthickness away from the body 112 of the device 110. In some embodiments,the first end 114 may diminish in thickness away from the body 112 to agreater degree than the second end 116 diminishes in thickness away fromthe body 112, or vice versa. In other words, the first end 114 may benarrower at its first tip 122 than the second end 116 at its second tip124. Accordingly, but not necessarily, the first end 122 of the device110 may be suitable for loosening or undoing smaller and/or tighterbraids, whereas the second end 124 of the device 110 may be suitable forloosening or undoing larger and/or looser braids.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8, not all embodiments include removableand/or interchangeable ends. In some embodiments, the body 110 and theends 114 and/or 116 be one continuous piece composed of substantiallythe same material or mixture of materials. For example, the device 110may be composed of one or more plastics commonly used in injectionmolding and/or additive manufacturing, such as but not limited toacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, polylactic acid,polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxmethylene (POM), polycarbonate, PVC, nylon 32%glass fiber, acrylic (PMMA), styrene, polyether imide (PEI),acrylonitrile, and/or other mixtures thereof. Additionally, oralternatively, the device 110 may be composed of one or more puremetals, metal alloys, woods, or any other suitable material(s).

Although any suitable material(s) may be used for the device 110,preferred embodiments may use one or more relatively low-frictionmaterials for the ends 114 and/or 116 to enable smooth gliding of saidends through the hair of a user.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of a braidreleasing device, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Forsimplicity, elements of FIG. 9 are shown with numbers that correspond tosimilar elements in FIGS. 1-7, with a “2” added in front of each number.As shown in FIG. 9, some but not all braid releasing devices 210 mayinclude at least two ends 214 and 216 that are securably and removablyattachable thereto. Though these ends are shown as having a differentshape than the ends shown in FIGS. 1-7, all such ends are substantiallysimilar in function. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the abovedescription of the ends shown in FIG. 1-7 may be applied to the ends 214and 216 shown in FIG. 9-11.

Although not shown in FIG. 9, some embodiments may include a third endthat is configured to be securably attachable to the body 212 of thedevice 210, and thus may serve as a replacement end or an alternativeend. Alternative ends may differ in thickness and/or shape from thefirst end 222 and/or the second end 224 as to provide additional optionsto a user.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device 110 ofFIG. 8 being held in the hand 138 of a user, according to aspects of thepresent disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, the device 110 includes anelongated member or a body 112 having at least two ends, including afirst end 114 and a second end 116. As shown in FIG. 10, the body 112includes a relatively large indentation 118 on the length 120 of thebody 112, such that the body 112 of the device 110 is narrower aroundthe center of the device 110. Although FIG. 10 shows the indentation 118as substantially centered on the length 120 of the body 112, theindentation 118 may be disposed at any suitable location on the length120. For example, in some embodiments, the indentation 118 may bedisposed nearer to the first end 114 than to the second end 116, thusgiving the user an option to hold the device 110 closer to an end orfurther away from an end, depending on personal preference.

As also shown in FIG. 10, embodiments having a substantially 360-degreeindentation 118 on the length 120 of the body 112—as opposed to anindentation being on just one side of the body—may provide an addedbenefit of accommodating not only the tip of a user's pointer finger,but also the contact points with a user's thumb and middle finger, whenthe device 110 is held like a pen or pencil.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device of FIG.8 in relation to a braid of a wearer, according to aspects of thepresent disclosure. As shown in FIG. 11, the device 110 may be used in asubstantially similar way as the device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7 and asdescribed herein. An exemplary set of instructions for the use of device110 may include the following nonexhaustive list of steps. Note,however, that not all steps may be necessary, and certain steps may beperformed out of order and/or repeated as desired.

STEP ONE: Hold the device 110 with your dominant hand, like a pen or apencil, by placing the tip of your index finger, the tip of your thumb,and the side of your top middle finger knuckle along the indentation 118of the device 110.

OPTIONAL STEP TWO (for devices having interchangeable ends only): If theindentation 118 is not disposed on the center of the device 110, thencheck to see which side is more comfortable to use. For example, if itis more comfortable to hold the device 110 closer to an end, but youneed a different sized tip, then swap out the current tip for adifferent tip having your desired size.

STEP THREE: Hold the braid 140 you would like to loosen in yournon-dominant hand.

STEP FOUR: Locate the end 142 of the braid 140 and place the device 110at a notch 144 of the braid 140 that is closest to or near the end 142of the braid 140.

STEP FIVE: Gently slide the tip 122 of the device 110 into the notch 144of the braid 140.

STEP SIX: Push the tip 122 of the device 110 further into the braid,toward the thicker end 114 of the device until the braid becomes loose.

STEP SEVEN: Gently move the device 110 downward toward the end 142 ofthe braid 140 to further loosen and/or undo the braid, and to remove thedevice 110 from the braid 140.

STEP EIGHT: Repeat steps 3-7 upwards along the braid 140, away from theend 142 of the braid and toward the scalp of the wearer, until the braid140 is loosened and/or undone to the desired level.

OPTIONAL STEP NINE (for devices having disposable ends): Detach the end114 from the body 112 of the device 110 and dispose of it accordingly.

The above steps may be modified, added to, or subtracted from, dependingon the type of braid, type of hair, user and/or wearer preference, andso on. Further, although the embodiments described herein refer to (1) aperson wearing the braids (the “wearer”) and (b) a person loosening thebraids (the “user”), it should be understood that this may be the sameor two or more different people. In other words, the braid releasingdevices described herein may be used by the person wearing the braids,or by another person. Additionally, it is conceivable for the braids tobe exist apart from a person altogether, such as on a non-human animal,on a mannequin head, and so on. Unless expressly claimed, the abovedescription is not intended to be considered in a limiting sense.

Advantages, Features, Benefits

The different embodiments of braid releasing devices and methods fortheir use described herein may provide several advantages over previoussystems and methods. For example, the illustrative embodiments describedherein provide a simple, lightweight, effective, time-efficient,pain-free, and comfortable-to-use (for both the wearer of the braids andthe user of the device) solution for releasing the braids of the wearer.

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodimentsdescribed herein allow for relatively low manufacturing costs andassembly lead times, depending on the material(s) from which the devicesare formed. The disclosed embodiments offer significant advantages overconventional tools because they may be handcrafted, artisanal items andenjoyed as design pieces, or, alternatively, they may be massmanufactured through injection molding, 3D printing, or other knownmethods. No known systems or methods can produce these results. Thus,the illustrative embodiments described herein are particularly suitedfor both personal and commercial use. However, not all embodimentsdescribed herein provide the same advantages or the same degree ofadvantage.

CONCLUSION

The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple distinctinventions with independent utility. Although each of these inventionshas been disclosed in its preferred form(s), the specific embodimentsthereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered ina limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. To theextent that section headings are used within this disclosure, suchheadings are for organizational purposes only, and do not constitute acharacterization of any claimed invention. The subject matter of theinvention(s) includes all novel and nonobvious combinations andsubcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/orproperties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point outcertain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel andnonobvious. Invention(s) embodied in other combinations andsubcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties maybe claimed in applications claiming priority from this or a relatedapplication.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handheld braid releasing device comprising: anarrow body disposed between two ends; a recessed portion disposed on alength of the body; wherein the two ends include a first end opposite asecond end; and wherein at least one of the two ends is tapered.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion is configured to receivea fingertip of a user.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the two endsare both tapered and removably attached to the body.
 4. The device ofclaim 3, wherein the two ends are interchangeable with each other. 5.The device of claim 1, wherein the first end has a first tip, and thesecond end has a second tip.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the firsttip is narrower than the second tip.
 7. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one replacement end that is configured to beinterchangeable with at least one of the first end or the second end. 8.An ergonomic braid releaser assembly, comprising: a long, narrow bodythat is securably and removably attachable to at least two tapered ends;a groove disposed on the narrow body and between the at least twotapered ends; and wherein the at least two tapered ends are configuredto be insertable into and removable from a braid.
 9. The assembly ofclaim 8, wherein the at least two tapered ends include a first end and asecond end.
 10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the first enddiminishes in thickness away from the narrow body to a greater degreethan the second end diminishes in thickness.
 11. The assembly of claim9, further comprising a third end that is configured to be securablyattachable to the body.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the thirdend is configured to be interchangeable with at least one of the firstend or the second end.
 13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the thirdend differs in thickness from at least one of the first end or thesecond end.
 14. A device suitable for loosening braids, comprising: anelongated member having at least two ends, including a first end and asecond end; wherein the elongated member gradually diminishes inthickness toward the at least two ends; and wherein the first enddiminishes in thickness to a greater degree than the second enddiminishes in thickness.
 15. The device of claim 14, further comprisingan indentation on the elongated member configured to receive a fingertipof a user.
 16. The device of claim 14, wherein the at least two ends areremovably and securably attached to the elongated member.
 17. The deviceof claim 14, wherein the at least two ends further comprise a third endthat is interchangeable with at least one of the first end or the secondend.
 18. The device of claim 14, wherein the thickness of the at leasttwo ends directly correlates with a size of a braid for which the atleast two ends is configured to loosen.
 19. The device of claim 18,wherein the first end is configured to be removably inserted into asmall box braid and suitable for loosening said small box braid.
 20. Thedevice of claim 18, wherein the second end is configured to be removablyinserted into a larger box braid and suitable for loosening said largerbox braid.